2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 278 more horse power than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. (215 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 628 kg more than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. (275 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | SL | 300 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 100 L |
